The Grafflax was a species of large sentient quadruped native to Balkus 9. It dwelt within caves, where it raised its young in pools of water. Its young had appendages on their backs that mimicked the fronds of aquatic ferns, allowing them to remain hidden. According to the native humanoids of Balkus 9, they reportedly ate brains and were thought by many to be a myth.
In 2381, Doctor T'Ana and Lieutenant jg Sam Rutherford encountered a Grafflax while gathering medicinal ferns on Balkus 9, despite having been assured by their guide Thusa that Grafflax had not inhabited that grotto for generations. The Grafflax critically injured Thusa, forcing her to impregnate Rutherford with her clone in order to preserve her consciousness.
When the Grafflax reappeared some time later, Rutherford was able to adapt the universal translator in his tricorder to the Grafflax's growls, and thus tell it that they meant it no harm. In return, the Grafflax revealed that it had merely been acting in defense of its offspring, and cleared a way for them out of the cave. (LD: "Caves")
The Grafflax's translated speech was provided by Asif Ali.